We’re Hiring!
Position Vacancy: Lake Patrol
The Megunticook Watershed Association is a 501(c)3 membership organization whose mission is protect, preserve and promote the resiliency of the natural resources in the watershed to ensure a healthy ecosystem for the benefit and enjoyment of all. In fulfilling this mission, the MWA undertakes numerous activities, including water quality and wildlife monitoring, invasive plant inspections, public education, and advocacy.
Job Title: Lake Patrol
Reports to: Executive Director
Schedule: May – October, approximately 20 hours per week, to include full days on weekends and variable coverage on weekdays.
The Lake Patrol serves as the eyes and ears - and, for many, the face - of the Association on Lake Megunticook, Norton Pond and Megunticook River, carrying out patrols and courtesy safety inspections from May through October.
Duties and Responsibilities
Patrols:
Monitors the lake, ponds, and river for events, conditions, or activities that may impact the health of the ecosystem and the safety of people and property
Reports to Executive Director and Board on anything needing attention
Patrols are carried out primarily by boat, and sometimes on foot or by automobile (Patrol territory includes public and publicly accessible lands and waters)
Public Education:
Provides education to the public as to the importance of applicable laws and regulations for safety and environmental health. (Appointment as MWA Lake Patrol conveys no authority for enforcement of any laws or regulations.)
Offers courtesy advice to users of the watershed when violations are observed
Develops a close working relationship with relevant enforcement agencies and personnel (inland harbormasters, code enforcement, etc.)
Attends and reports at road association meetings, surrounding lake/pond association meetings, and town meetings as needed
Speaks to school groups and other interested groups about water safety and the watershed ecosystem
Wildlife Management:
In consultation with state Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, conducts MWA’s on-going Canada Goose control program (egg addling)
Monitors Loon population
Monitors Beaver activity
Undertakes other projects to maintain a healthy and balanced wildlife population
Navigation Buoys and Signs:
Places and maintains (spring) and removes (fall) state navigational markers in compliance with Department of Parks and Lands contract and regulations
Monitors locations throughout the season
Administration
Writes weekly field reports for the Board of Directors
Maintains accurate time sheet and log of activities for the Executive Director
Keeps patrol boat clean, maintained, and fueled-up at all times
Works with Executive Director on getting Patrol Boat permitted, serviced, launched, and hauled at the beginning and end of season
Qualifications
Minimum High School diploma
Has or is able to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the geography, hydrology and ecosystem of the watershed, as well as of regulations regarding watersport safety and land use in proximity to water bodies
Ability to relate constructively with the general public, volunteers and local enforcement agencies
Experience in maneuvering, handling, and maintaining an outboard motorboat including towing
Ability to work outdoors in all seasons and conditions, as well as handling rough terrain on foot
Comfortable working with wildlife in the field
Self-starter who enjoys working alone but also enjoys engaging with the public
Clear communication skills, responsive, flexible, and available
Organized in keeping notes, drafting reports, and logging time
This is a part-time, hourly position. Hours are flexible and variable. Weekend work is required, especially during the summer boating season. Patrol must have reliable transportation. Lifting up to 50 pounds, able to work outdoors in all seasons, ability to walk over rough terrain, able to safely operate motorboat.
Please email cover letter and resume to: abby@megunticook.org. Position will remain open until filled.
